Kristaps Porzingis is entering the final year of his current contract. As such, the Boston Celtics are expected to test his value on the trade market, as Brad Stevens looks for ways to duck under the second luxury tax apron.
During a recent on Yahoo Sports “Good Word With Goodwill” podcast, former Celtics forward Marcus Morris gave a candid take on Porzingis’ fit with the Celtics. He also explained why the franchise is likely to explore his market during the summer.
I don’t think they need any major changes,” Morris said. “I’m going to be candid because I’m on the media’s side. Porzingis is not a Celtic. Porzingis doesn’t embody what they need from him. That’s not no knock to him; I know he has injuries. I think you definitely dangle him to see what you can get. But I don’t think you can get that much, to be honest, the way this league is going on.”
Porzingis has struggled with injuries throughout his tenure with the Celtics. As such, Stevens may look for a replacement big man who is available more consistently, despite the clear upside Porzingis brings to the table when healthy.
Celtics Could Struggle to Keep Luke Kornet
Boston’s big man rotation has many question marks right now. In addition to Porzingis being linked in trade rumors, Stevens must also decide on Luke Kornet‘s future. The 7-foot big man is heading into unrestricted free agency and has earned a considerable pay rise.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Kornet is expected to have a “robust” free agency market.
“Kornet ranks as one of the best players analytically entering free agency,” Scotto reported on June 16. “…After thoroughly outplaying his current contract, Kornet is expected to earn a substantial pay raise and have a robust market this summer among various teams who have the non-taxpayer mid-level exception to spend.”
Kornet has emerged as one of the best backup big men in the NBA. He’s been key to Joe Mazzulla’s rotation for the past two years. Celtics fans will undoubtedly hope he can stick around long-term. However, given the team’s precarious cap situation, that may not be possible.
Celtics Also Face Al Horford Decision
To round out Boston’s big man conundrum, Al Horford is also heading into free agency this summer. In the same article from Scotto, he noted how multiple contending teams could be interested in the veteran big man.
“Predominantly, high-level playoff contenders are monitoring Horford to see if he’d leave Boston, with the Celtics expected to take a step back without Tatum next season and in a financial crunch regarding their salary books,” Scotto reported.
The veteran big man played in 60 games this season. He averaged 9 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists, shooting 42.3% from the field and 36.3% from deep. Horford has revamped his offensive approach in recent years, becoming a legitimate perimeter threat, doing most of his work beyond the three-point line.
Horford’s leadership and veteran know-how have made him an invaluable member of the Celtics rotation throughout the years. However, Stevens faces some incredibly tough decisions, and Horford will undoubtedly be one of the toughest ones he has to make.
